The former Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Chelsea midfielder made it clear that his comments should be seen as constructive rather than negative, with the Arsenal creator currently underwhelming rather than playing poorly.

"I am surprised by the critical views on Mesut Ozil," Ballack told German paper Express. "For me, he is and he remains an extraordinary player."

"Yes, he has not had a overwhelmingly good match at the World Cup until now but he did not disappoint me either. He needs a magic moment, he must force this moment to happen."

Germany won their opening group game 4-0 against Portugal, with Thomas Muller scoring the tournament's first hat-trick, but Ozil was unable to make it onto the scoresheet or put his name to any assists.

In their second match against Ghana, he again failed to leave his mark on the scoreline as Joachim Low's side fell behind before fighting back to a 2-2 draw.

Ballack believes that Low should remain patient with the playmaker, however, and trust in Ozil's calibre that he will come good.

"In these situations, Low must back him. Other nations envy us for having players like him or Mario Gotze. They can make the difference."

Germany will look to put their place at the top of Group G beyond doubt by taking all three points against USA in Recife on June 26.